DIV19/20: Scrubber Drier Choices (5 November 2019)

Issue Date: 5 November 2019
Ref: DIV19/20

Scrubber Drier Choices

Scrubber driers are established as the workhorses of floorcare, whether managed in-house or by contract cleaning teams. The variety of machines on offer – and the accessories and options available – can make the choice daunting.

With its extensive and advanced range of TASKI scrubber driers, Diversey offers one of the biggest choices in the UK market, all supported with technical, application and maintenance expertise from one of the world leaders in cleaning and hygiene.

One of the most important considerations is to match the size of machine to the proposed application. Too large and it will probably be underutilised and unproductive, ultimately costing more to own and operate. Too small, and it could be overused, inefficient and prone to more unscheduled outages. 

With the TASKI range comprising 20 main models extending from compact uprights for confined areas to the large ride-on machines for expansive spaces, Diversey offers a broad choice. This makes it easier to match the performance of a machine to the application requirements with fewer restrictions. Moreover, offering a larger range helps ensure the needs of larger fleet operators can be met from a single source which can simplify pre- and post-sales support and enable greater deployment flexibility.

Total cost of ownership – sometimes called whole life cost - should be another factor in the decision. A machine that has a lower purchase or rental cost may be less energy efficient, consume more water or products or be more prone to breakdowns than an alternative which initially appears more expensive. This combination of purchase price and running costs is the total cost of ownership. Manufacturers such as Diversey with a large installed base across multiple customers will be able to give a good prediction of whole life costs based on real customers’ actual experience.

Choose a machine that can be used with a wide range of cleaning products, pads or brushes. This will ensure it can clean a variety of flooring types and give the desired finish. Many operators are choosing to run their machines with advanced pads, such as the diamond-impregnated Twister by Diversey, that can be used on various types of hard flooring with water alone for reduced long-term costs and enhanced sustainability. Manufacturers offering a wide selection of pads and brushes will advise on the right ones for any machine or flooring type.

Choose batteries carefully and do not compromise on performance. Advances in battery and charger technologies also mean that machines of all sizes will work harder and longer between charges. That means more time working and less time standing still while being recharged, all of which adds to better productivity and cost-effectiveness.

Manufacturers with a consistent design approach are likely to incorporate common features across their range. This can include everything from user controls, routine service points, control systems and technology. For users this means that one machine will look and work much the same as a larger or smaller alternative. This familiarity helps promote consistent use, reduces retraining requirements, and simplifies daily maintenance checks. For suppliers, it can simplify everything from manufacturing to service with resulting reliability gains and cost savings.

Scrubbers are an essential part of many cleaning operations, but they continue to evolve. The trend is towards greater use of on-board technology and increased automation. These two factors combine in the latest generation of robotic scrubber driers, as typified by the Diversey’s TASKI swingobot 2000. By operating autonomously and with minimal supervision these advanced machines free operatives from laborious floor cleaning to focus on value added duties instead. The emergence of these robotic floorcare machines means that cleaning teams have even more choice for this most vital of building care tasks.